Huntington Library and Gardens in Pasadena, CA

While I was in L.A. this weekend, I went with SM and TMD to the Huntington Library's Rose Garden Tea Room for tea. I've been to the Huntington many times before (sometimes to view the magnificent gardens, and sometimes just to have tea). The day we went was particularly fine; it was sunny, but not hot.

The tea at the Rose Garden Tea Room is the same every time. We started with our choice of tea. I chose Earl Grey, and TMD chose the Gold Rush Blend - kind of like their Christmas blend that only comes around once a year. The Gold Rush was too fruity for me.

We moved on to fresh-made warm scones. The scones come in excellent flavors, like chocolate chip, cinnamon raisin, apricot, and currant. Of course I love chocolate, but I really enjoyed the apricot scones this time. They are smaller than typical scones, but have a great crust on them. Usually, they are sprinkled with large-grain sugar.

They were properly served with clotted cream and preserves (orange marmalade and raspberry).


The main event is the buffet laden with little tea sandwiches, salads, cheese & crackers, and fresh fruit. You can go up as often as you like, which of course, we did.

I had some delicious salmon and cream cheese sandwiches. There were also egg salad, chicken salad, olive and cream cheese, and cucumber and cream cheese. I also had a very interesting Asian salad of marinated tofu, broccoli, and carrots.

There is also dessert of all manners in the form of petit fours, tarts, and other morsels. Of course, we tried everything. I thought the little slices of chocolate cake were too sweet and not chocolatey enough.

The fruit tarts, as usualy, were excellent. The strawberry shortcake was good (although TMD just ate strawberries and cream without the sponge cake base). I enjoyed the pecan squares, and the Huntington's signature shortbread was on display.

The best are little chocolate cups filled with lemon curd and whipped cream.

As you can see from the photos, we had a great time.

Huntington Library & Gardens Rose Garden Tea Room

8/10